Obi made the remarks during a recent interview with the BBC, where he was questioned about his repeated claims that the 2023 presidential election was rigged.
When asked whether he had evidence to establish that he won the election, Obi initially responded that there was no evidence.
He, however, maintained his position that he won the election.
Obi Maintains 2023 Election Position
During the interview, Obi was also questioned about his continued assertion that the 2023 presidential election was rigged despite the dismissal of his legal challenges to the election result.
The former Anambra State governor said he did not want to revisit the past but maintained the position he had previously expressed.
The 2023 presidential election was declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to have been won by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, followed by Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, while Obi finished third.
Obi and Atiku challenged the result at the Presidential Election Petition Court. Their petitions were dismissed, and the Supreme Court subsequently upheld Tinubu's victory.
Obi Explains His Position on Fuel Subsidy
The NDC presidential candidate also addressed the controversy surrounding his position on petrol subsidy.
Obi said his position had not changed, arguing that his earlier comments had been interpreted differently because of his emphasis on the methodology surrounding the policy.
He said corruption was a major problem associated with the former subsidy regime.
Recent reports show that Obi has said he would retain a form of petrol subsidy if elected in 2027, while removing the corruption he says undermined the previous system.
In September, his camp also backed a proposal for a more transparent form of subsidy that would be linked to measures aimed at improving domestic petroleum production and refining.
Obi Promises to Personally Lead Anti-Corruption Fight
Speaking about how he would tackle corruption if elected president, Obi said he would personally take charge of the fight against corruption.
He argued that stronger leadership at the highest level of government would help reduce corruption within the public sector.
Obi was also asked about corruption during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who similarly campaigned on an anti-corruption platform.
In response, Obi said the difference under his administration would be that he would personally take charge of the fight.
Obi Rejects Calls to Step Down for Consensus Candidate
The former Anambra governor was also asked whether he would withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if opposition parties eventually agreed to support another candidate.
Obi rejected the premise, saying the focus should instead be on doing what is necessary to mobilise voters and participate effectively in the election.
“We don’t need to step down. We need to do the right thing,” Obi said.
Obi is currently the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general election. His campaign has continued to focus on economic reforms, corruption, security, education, infrastructure and other national issues.
2027 Election Debate Intensifies
Obi's latest comments come as opposition parties and political groups continue preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
His comments on the 2023 election, fuel subsidy, corruption and opposition cooperation are likely to remain part of public debate as political parties and candidates present their positions ahead of the next presidential contest.
While Obi continues to maintain that he won the 2023 election, the officially declared result and subsequent court rulings remain that Bola Tinubu won the election.
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